Duchy of Artonsamay - Stoink
Proper Name: The Duchy of Artonsamay
Population: Negligible
Ruler: None (various military commanders)
Government: None
Capital: None
Other Settlements: None
Resources: None
Population: Varies
Religions: Iuz
Law: None (was CG)
Southeast of the Rift Barren lie the broken lands of the Duchy of Artomsamay. The place is barren with little flora or fauna to speak of. The soil here is rotten from the magics used to quiet its folk during the wars. Like northern Freehold, this once vibrant region is now dead, with the exception of the road between Riftcrag and Stoink, which is lightly patrolled by companies of humanoids.
Located along the riverbanks north of the Great Northern Bend of the Artonsamay and the plains within 30–60 miles of the Rift Barrens’ eastern end, the duchy was a curiosity in this land of criminals and murderers. Though a purse was as likely to go missing here as in any holding, Artonsamay had about it a certain honor lacking in most of its neighbors.
Settlement within the Duchy of Artonsamay:
Chatierry
Wraithkeep
Rumored to have been ruled by a puissant noble adventurer of Urnst’s Gellor dynasty, Artonsamay was a favorite haunt of thrill-seekers and lawless folk lacking an evil or sadistic bent. None of this, however, served to aid the duchy when Iuz’s forces invaded in 583 CY; the realm’s castle “capital” was destroyed, and most of the land’s residents fled to the County of Urnst, Stoink, or the Rift. Great magic was employed in the battle, and Artonsamay is now mostly uninhabited wilderness (much of it barren) with poor hunting, governed from Stoink. Many, including Countess Belissica, believe that Duke Gellor (N male human Fighter L12) is dead, though the folk of Stoink whisper that no less than Iuz’s High Priestess Halga, was seen there, tracking a man bearing an all-too-familiar appearance.
The reputation and history of this region owe as much to the former Duke as anyone else. Nebon Gellor, an adventurous spirit cursed with noble blood first came here in CY 565 with a company of friends and like-minded fellows. For him, the Combination was an escape from the shackles of leadership and the squabbling of the Urnst’s noble courts. He and his fellows explored Tenh and the lands of the Rovers extensively, eventually establishing a keep here in these lawless lands. The only one laying claim to its ownership was a mad half-elf sorcerer of undeterminable age, Jodefürst. Having determined the old man owed no possession worth the trouble, few intruded on his privacy except to cause mischief. Gellor and his band made peace with him and were granted leave to build their stronghold.
Word of the band’s adventures spread and their subsequent reputation drew many thrill seekers from throughout these lands. While little was done to enforce any code of laws, those whose demeanors did not agree with Gellor’s band were “politely” asked to leave. Gellor, who under and assumed identity had recently become a member of Stoink’s Thieves Guild, had influence in the right places to enforce such exiles.
Despite his success, Gellor found himself increasingly in the same straits he’d hoped to avoid as a young man. As more people flocked to his banner, he found more excuses to leave the home he’d made for himself. He became a ranking member of the thieves guild, an accomplished spy for King Archbold of Nyrond and his cousin, Countess Belissica, in Urnst. His talent with disguises made him a natural for these posts.
When Iuz invaded the Combination of Free Lords, the men of the Duchy took to arms in its defense in his name. They fought resiliently and lasted a lengthy siege while they waited for reinforcements from Stoink. But when Boss Dhaelhy died and his successor sided with Iuz, all hope was lost. Those that could escaped to Stoink, the Tangles, Urnst and the Rift Canyon. The castle was destroyed and the lands razed. Word spread through Iuz’s empire the Duke was killed in the final assault. Yet members of the Greater Boneheart continue to investigate. Many speculate the Duke is in fact not dead, that he disappeared along with his men to parts unknown. Others reason Gellor held possession of a major artifact, perhaps the Cup and Talisman of Al’Akbar, which is believed to have been lost in this region of the Flanaess. Whatever the reason, Iuz’s interest in this barren region has not gone unnoticed.
Bandit Kingdoms
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